Gear From This Video: OR Shell: geni.us/jrHW0 OR Soft Shell Pants: geni.us/hhBR8 Insulating Layer: geni.us/PxHek Mid Layer: geni.us/na67aH6 Alpha Hoodie: geni.us/EGWb9nd Base Layer: geni.us/DF1G1NA Base Layer Pants: geni.us/KsFUnB Boots: geni.us/NcowG Snow Shoes: geni.us/wBtTzC Camping Gear Used: Sleeping Pad: geni.us/a3Yx0 Quilt: geni.us/4j7JTY Down Balaclava: geni.us/uoNL Stove: geni.us/LsLBAo

@Danny82749

5 ай бұрын

Ight bet

@artemisspawnofzeus7732

5 ай бұрын

Too bad goetex is just marketing mumbo jumbo. It only ever was teflon and now its not even that. Its just marketing.

@Shoomer1988

5 ай бұрын

The thing about Gore Tex is it's only breathable when it's dry, and it's only waterproof when it's wet (I know that sounds weird but it's true). It can't do both at the same time. It's just down to the properties of ePTFE and nothing can change that.

@VinceAikens

3 ай бұрын

Ever since cuz got killed and the company was sold Outdoor Research ain't what it used to be. Sad cause he believed in made in USA but its just Chinese junk now. Get the same crap at Wal-Mart for a third the price

in the Marines, we embrace a concept we affectionately refer to as being 'comfortably cold.' which, essentially means wearing one layer less than what would you probably describe as comfortable. especially once you start moving, especially under heavy loads, that extra layer may quite literally kill you - either from heat stroke while hiking or hypothermia once you stop.

@dusannestorovic5699

Жыл бұрын

I think I've been using this system instinctively I work outside all day, I take off my jacket and wear two hoodies while I'm working and let my body heat keep me warm, and I put my jacket on when I stop to keep my temperature from fading

@JacobAndJamal

Жыл бұрын

I was about to say something like this . In survival training up in WA or snow trips to Colorado (USAF), I’d typically wear warm pants and Goretex pants, but only wear my dri blend tshirt . My body always gets hot moving around and like you said with a ruck; I’m sweating within an hour .

@M21assult

Жыл бұрын

I’m a flatbedder, drive a semi and train people. Have a kid from Mississippi, made sure he was layered right and handed him about 8 hot hands (different kinds) so he could manage where he was putting extra heat where/if he needed it. I had just the toe version of hot hands in my boots. To describe both of our gear - he had a stocking, I had a trapper hat. Insulated bibs, carhartt jackets (his had a hood, mine didn’t) long sleeves, sweatpants (he had long john’s also, I didn’t need them) wool socks, and steel toes because we have to, and -30 rated gloves (his stuffed with hot hands). It’s about -10 in Montana at this point, but windless. 20 minutes in he’s back in the truck trying to get warm. I go to find him. ‘It’s cold!’ Lord give me strength. 😂 I made damned sure you were dressed well enough for any cold to not threaten life, limbs, fingers or toes. You’re going to be cold, it’s -10! That’s why you have so many clothes on! 😂 He hadn’t done anything to work up a sweat at that point. That’s just how long taking bungees off the tarps took. About 60 minutes later I finished, ready to shed my hat and jacket both. These younger kids really tend to not handle the slight bit of discomfort. Tl;dr: Mississippi kid can’t do cold, and isn’t going to make it with this company very long after he finishes training. 😂

@dapv144

Жыл бұрын

I beat meat in the winter and tend to work up quite a heavy load, and I sweat a bunch on top of that. My wife's boyfriend told me to do it in the tent he bought for our kids and that concept is all the knowledge you need. Semper fi leatherneck.

@agilagilsen8714

Жыл бұрын

I’d recommend using the norwegian standard that we teach to any American troops who come here for winter training. You never start a hike warm. You start cold, and then you get warm when you start moving. After 10minutes you stop, adjust your clothing to remove or add layers before you start moving again. Also, I wouldn’t bother with this as a civilian to much. Just stop and change clothes as needed. Removing a jacket, a second layer, or adding clothes and so on doesn’t take more than 30-45 seconds from you stop until you have your backpack on again and you’re ready to move again.

If a time machine ever gets invented, I'm taking this video back to show my mom, so she would understand that making 7-year-old me wear so much heavy winter clothing that I was always sweating profusely in sub-freezing temps was, in fact, suboptimal.

@MyLifeOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Be sure to leave me a comment in the past!

@ayayashamwow2021

Жыл бұрын

The -20 and below blizzards were so much harder being told to layer up with snow pants, boots, toque, jacket 5 sizes too big, and scarf, when now I can handle them in a somewhat basic windbreaker and stuff I wear in -5. And I don't look like the Michelin man which is a plus.

@isapu1948

Жыл бұрын

Somehow I don't think moms could be convinced that easily

@e_i_e_i_bro

Жыл бұрын

"you'll catch a cold"

@carlosfreire8249

Жыл бұрын

Future moms: “Dear, you have to use a breathable fabric outer shell with a oversized pit zipper.” Children: “Mom, we live in Puerto Rico.”

I'm from Minnesota and went to college with a lot of international students from tropical locales. Local advice was always: 1. Layer, don't suffocate 2. A scarf does more than you think it will 3. Drop your biggest dime on good boots and socks. Your chest will survive some cold and your hands can be stuffed in your pockets or armpits. Your footsies have no line of defense.

@PLEASESAVEMEGOD

5 ай бұрын

I cackled at footsies but this is genuinely good advice

@Andernol

5 ай бұрын

Growing up in MN taught me so many things about the cold that I value to this day. Going on backcountry ski trips in the PNW has really made me have to pull out all the old tricks I learned snow camping in Minnesota as a kid. There is one big difference out here though, which is just how wet it is, even in the winter. You really learn the hard way that nothing is truly "waterproof", so even if you do a good job of managing sweat, water sapping all your heat can still be a real threat.

Another thing to keep in mind is to wear a shell that’s roomy enough for the layers underneath. Overly compressed clothes won’t work as intended.

@TG-hp8og

8 ай бұрын

Totally right. Air between each layer is needed .

@richardharmon647

5 ай бұрын

Agree 100%

@thesneak281

3 ай бұрын

As a snowboarder, I preached bigger coats. Draped up and dripped out 😂 leave arms to cover your gloves. You want that jacket to cover your ass and not show anything if you bend over or anything. Big jacket is the move to stay covered. Keeps the snow out

You didn't mention the other big key in winter dressing--tucking in your base layer. It makes ALL of the difference in keeping freezing air away from your sweaty skin!

@samuelwoodouse4482

Жыл бұрын

I'm from MN and I never thought of that

@BionAvastar3000

Жыл бұрын

Yes, Absolutely!

@carolynv8979

Жыл бұрын

But they can’t retail that advice

@MerkhVision

Жыл бұрын

Definitely! It’s made a big difference for me

@AKUJIVALDO

Жыл бұрын

@Karl with a K LOL Use far greener fart powered generator...

As a Caribbean-born and raised immigrant who moved to the Northeast, I’ve been doing it wrong for 18 years - cotton all over. It’s about time I follow my fellow coworkers who ski and know how to dress in winter.

@davebauman4991

Жыл бұрын

Curious how cotton was not mentioned. Worse yet is how cotton blend waffle knit underwear is usually the only winter type available at stores of inner city neighborhoods. Manufacturing waffle knit with cotton is wasteful and pointless.

@denislemieux4915

Жыл бұрын

@@davebauman4991 The cotton blend waffle knit underwear are often referred to as "thermals". In general (always exceptions) "thermals" are meant to retain heat. "Base layers" are for regulating heat. If you don't plan on sweating too much, thermals can keep you warmer. If I'm sitting outside at a football game, I'd wear my waffle knit thermals, if I was playing in the football game, I'd wear my base layer.

@jandrem

Жыл бұрын

@@davebauman4991 cotton is mentioned at 6:01

@frankdewaalirisclazing6501

Жыл бұрын

In northern Scandinavia locals do wear cotton in winter, but only as a outer shell in very cold and dry weather. minus 10 celcius and below. When working in cold and wet weather you better stick with combi wool/ polyester like fabrics as baselayer. And waterproof outerlayer that can ventilate.

@davebauman4991

Жыл бұрын

@@jandrem oops my bad

A slightly different but related advice: If you have the luxury of choice, have a close look at the back of the backpack you buy. I have one that is so warm my back is drenched in no-time, even if the rest of me is "just right". Some backpacks have meshing that (at least in theory) helps with that.

@RealBoiJare

Жыл бұрын

That was the first thing i looked for when buying a pack. I’ve biked and hiked with regular backpacks for a while and my back would always get too hot first. My new Osprey Rook pack is much better at managing back temperatures

@caseysmith544

Жыл бұрын

This is where the older style with the external frame is best for both summer and winter backpacking provided you are not run packing where then due to friction and movement a snug modern pack in the size above a 25 L Running pack is the best at 30--35 L that has the waste strap.

@rickau

Жыл бұрын

I have a day pack with an external meshed frame on the back which keeps the actual pack off my back. Absolute godsend during summer here in topical Australia.

Having grown up in Michigan I always found the best way to keep warm and not be miserable was to simply self regulate the heat you end up building up. When I’d reach the point where I knew I would begin to sweat soon I’d simply open up my jacket, and honestly once you get that hot the freezing air actually feels quite nice.

@BW022

5 ай бұрын

Yes. It's often a hassle taking layers on and off -- plus stowing them. Often, simply tricks such as opening jackets, taking your parka hood off (and having something for your head), a scarf you can easily wrap/unwrap, gloves under your mitts and strings so you can take your mitts off, etc. can all help regulate build-up of heat. This is also true of you are in and out of the cold -- a tour, in and out of vehicles, in and out of windy/sunny areas, etc. Just taking your hood off, unzipping your parka, etc. for a few minutes is often better than trying to get layers off and on. Another good idea is just to take frequent breaks -- stop, enjoy the wilderness, take some pictures, have an energy bar, etc.

@artvandelay1099

5 ай бұрын

Too bad we don't have winter here anymore. This video made me crave the snow.

@avatarion

5 ай бұрын

Yes, it's called common sense. That's how we did it in Finland when I was a kid. No-one ever heard of any "layering" which is a modern marketing thing.

@robowenmikels

5 ай бұрын

@@avatarion You must be over 100 years because layering as a concept, has been around that long. You non-Americans need to lose your attitude, thinking you're better than everyone.

@avatarion

5 ай бұрын

@@robowenmikels Layering wasn't really a technical concept as such. We simply put a wool sweater underneath a thick jacket if the temperatures dropped. Heat regulation is done by opening the jacked a bit.

“Be bold, start cold.” Something that I can share with my scouts to keep their mind set on the winter hiking ahead. Great video and I’m going to pass this along to my two troops. ❤

@altitudeiseverything3163

Жыл бұрын

It’s a great catchphrase, isn’t it? If I start out comfortably warm, it’s *always* a mistake… really quickly!

@thegrim418

Жыл бұрын

Another tip. Put it on at the camp. Just the other day I got distracted before going on my evening walk and spent some time inside with the heat on. Halfway through my walk that little bit of sweat was freezing me inside my layers. Better to wait until you're at your destination and out of the heater to put on more than the base layer. Or in my case, put on the sweater and jacket after stepping into the cold.

@darthszarych5588

Жыл бұрын

@@altitudeiseverything3163 maybe it's just because I mostly go on day hikes and my only backpacking trip was in febuary and it was 16°F, but I dont agree with this. I'd rather have to carry warm clothes than not have them.

@darthszarych5588

Жыл бұрын

This advice only applies to people who are doing physical activity outside. If you plan on being outside for a long time in cold for something that isn't physical, dress warmer than you think you need to. You will only get colder.

@selfactualizer2099

Жыл бұрын

"Starting cold" doesn't actually help you. It's an old myth, that if you get too warm inside you'll feel even colder outside. This is not the case, your body is working to keep you warm, when you shiver or tremble, it's because your body is straining to keep you warm. Starting warm before you go outside is much more efficient than Starting cold, That's why I don't agree with things like boyscouts, , having to listen to someone without disagreements, the moment you want to have a different opinion you're told no

Merino wool has proven to be a great base layer material from my experience; excellent breathability and wicking properties and is antimicrobial which removes odours. My base layer is an 80% merino wool and 20% polymer blend and has been serving me well for months.

@justinw1765

Жыл бұрын

It isn't actually "anti-microbial". There have been some studies done on this. Rather, it fosters/faciliates growth of varied microbes which are not the odor causing type--sort of akin to the concept of a healthy gut microbiome with plenty of probiotics that keep the opportunistic ones in check. Balanced and varied. But when you look at the fibers under a microscope, you will find plenty of microbes--hence not "anti-microbial". Synthetics on the other hand--particularly polypropylene, and then also polyester to a lesser extent, foster the growth solely or mostly of the odor producing microbes. There seems to be a direct correlation to the materials degree of moisture regain to the above microbe factor. The lower the moisture regain (polyester and especially polypropylene) the more odor producing microbes grow on it, and the higher the moisture regain, the less they do. Sheep's wool has a very high moisture regain--the highest of any everyday/common textile. Interestingly, in one study, rayon was shown to be truly antimicrobial. It was not ascertained whether this related to moisture regain and/OR possibly the strong chemicals used to manufacturer rayon/viscose type cellulose based fabric.

@justinw1765

Жыл бұрын

My issue with wool is that it holds onto moisture for a long time. Once it wets out, it can get sopping wet and take a long time to dry (because of that very high moisture regain property). It's also fragile except in the form of Darn Tough socks. I don't mind a relatively small percentage of sheep's wool as long as the majority is synthetic so that the piece dries faster. Wool fishnet is also fine, because there isn't a lot of surface area covering skin that needs to dry. My ideal baselayer fabrics would be a blend of more hollow fiber animal fibers (like alpaca, yak, etc) blended with silver treated polyester. In a ratio of 25 to 35% natural to 75 to 65% silver treated polyester (preferably also hollow fibers). Higher warmth to weight factor, tougher/more durable, and faster drying while keeping down funk.

@natef760

Жыл бұрын

What brand are you using?

@treebeardtheent2200

Жыл бұрын

@@justinw1765 If your wool is getting that wet, you may be doing something seriously wrong that has nothing to do with fabric choice. btw, maybe not all polypropaline is the same, but my experience is that it is the absolute worst fabric for holding on to foul odors, which I usually don't have too much issue with bc I have the genetic anomoly of not producing armpit sweat and stink. Somehow anyway that polypro is just horrible that way and also deforms/get misshapped. Maybe the latter has been solved by certain blends, idk, but I'm just extremely happy with good ol' wool.

@JohnSmith-zf1lq

Жыл бұрын

Merino wool fucking slaps

The importance of the shell shocked me once. Almost twenty years ago I bought this wonderful cape and immediately treated it with Scotch Guard. Come winter, we finally had some bad weather so I threw my new/treated cape on over a sweater. It was nice. Imaging my surprise when I later found out I'd been happily tromping around with a wind chill of roughly -3*F!

@evanhughes3027

4 ай бұрын

"Tromping around" is a euphemism for trouncing evil-doers, in your dashing cape, I presume.

Great takes! I served in the Norwegian military up north in the country where the sun only shows itself for 20mins in the winter, and all said in the video aligns with what i learned from that year!

Sweat management and intelligent layering is critical. I had this traumatically etched in my psyche. I hiked up a NH White and was fine with a thermal shirt and a windbreaker on my top half. Other layers were in my backpack. At the summit I wanted those layers quickly. Within the short time of digging out my layers, my core temp dropped to dangerous. I put my layers on with great difficulty, already shaking uncontrollably. I couldn't get warm even with everything on. Another hiker lit a camp stove and threw sticks on it to get a small fire going (very illegal). That fire and that hiker saved my life. I never knew how fast hypothermia takes affect.

@draftplus

Жыл бұрын

@F I keep the next likely layer accessible outside of the pack to put on at stops as needed.

@alecwhatshisname5170

Жыл бұрын

Yes. I went skiing this week for the first time in years. Alone. I stopped at the top of a run to put my hood on. Took my hand out of my glove. By the time I failed to get my hood on, my hand was so numb that I couldn’t get it in my glove correctly. I lost my poles. All because of cold. It was probably only 5-10F but with wind chill it had to be -5 - -10F. My fingernails ached for days.

@SilverPh3nix

Жыл бұрын

@karlwithak1835in certain nature preservation areas it is illegal

@draftplus

Жыл бұрын

@Karl with a K Unless you are in a designated campground in the Whites, no fires. "Violators of these prohibitions could face civil and criminal penalties and fines up to $5000." I don't usually carry a spare $5k around with me.

@rwk219

Жыл бұрын

@F the solution is to layer up before stopping at a summit for a break. For example, yesterday I was in the NH white mtns where it was particularly windy and cold. We found a semi sheltered area in trees, layered up and then finished the climb to the exposed windy summit.

This guy summarizing in minutes what takes years to understand about outdoor adventuring. Great content, highly underrated channel!

One of my favorite winter jackets is this very, very old snowboarder jacket. It's thick, keeps you dry and warm and it has several zippers dedicated on just venting out the moisture you have built up. Just amazing stuff and has lasted me toughest of winters.

Excellent video. As a graduate of the US Army's Basic Military Mountaineer Course (Winter), everything you said is exactly in line with what they teach there. In fact, if they caught you wearing cotton in the field they would give you an SOR (serious observation report) on the spot. Staying dry is the trick to staying warm. The biggest rookie mistake is indeed wearing too many layers when moving.

@KathrynsWorldWildfireTracking

6 ай бұрын

You really don't need to be dry if you wear natural fibers that still insulate when wet. A freak storm hit myself and a friend in Oregon - two hours walking fast as we could back to the car. He about froze in cotton. I had a wool cap, silk underwear, wool shirt, alpaca overshirt, and a light coat. I had to take breaks since I was overheating. I was steaming the air! His teeth chattered, he lost the feeling in his hands. I was fine.

@assortedmountainlife

5 ай бұрын

I try to only wear 100% cotton and 100% wool. synthetics are garbage and likely poisoning you with PFAS.

@Nothing2150

5 ай бұрын

"Cotton kills" is what they said for our cold weather training

@TA.LONGBOW.ALASKA

5 ай бұрын

No- The biggest rookie mistake is not knowing how to, or that you need to ration sweat and that this in itself is a skill. Second mistake is going for modern synthetics over wool because the military doesn't use it much at all anymore and because some video told them to buy some BS latest and greatest layer.....

@user-be5gq5xb3c

5 ай бұрын

Could someone explain to me, why cotton is so bad?

The one thing not mentioned in this video that I assume some would want to know is if you are sleeping overnight in sub freezing temps ALWAYS change your base layer at bed time. Wash your soiled base layer and repeat. The oils/sweat you rub in to the base layers will make you sleep cold. Clean dry base will make you sleep 1000x better in your bag.

@tfrtrouble

Жыл бұрын

Yep I was always taught to carry two changes of (non-outer) clothes on a camping trip. One is the hiking set, one is the camp/sleeping set. And you never risk getting the camp set wet, even if it means you have to put on soaking wet clothes from the day before to start hiking the next morning (shudder).

@AliciaGuitar

Жыл бұрын

This makes sense. I have a medical problem that makes me unable to regulate my body temp, and after i sweat my clothing, it NEVER seems to completely dry until its washed again. Even if i take it off.

@lilletrille1892

Жыл бұрын

Wash the base layer every evening? When I did a week-long hike in the north of Norway, sleeping in a tent I didn't exactly have drying facilities...

@Adidaspgh

Жыл бұрын

@@lilletrille1892 You would be surprised what a couple hours in the sun and wind will do regardless of temp. Hang them off your pack as spread out as possible. The point isn't always to get them perfectly dry it's to wash off the oils you excrete and they absorb. Being a little damp but clean sleeps way better than a dank base. Happy Trails!

@lilletrille1892

Жыл бұрын

@@Adidaspgh what about days of heavy sleet?

Originally from the Northeast US and always running naturally cold, my advice about layering is to move to a location that doesn't need layering. It's worked flawlessly for me!

@ariellemasters954

Жыл бұрын

sure wish I could

@bracket0398

Жыл бұрын

@@ariellemasters954 me too! Stuck in Upstate NY since July for the fourth time cuz of my boomer units! And blizzard during Xmas, wooo! I miss Charleston, Flagstaff, Phoenix...Happy Sunday!

@dancingghostgirl2291

Жыл бұрын

I wanna live in florida. I live in md.

@andreya9776

Жыл бұрын

:)))

@user-dm1sd7fz2b

Жыл бұрын

haha Nice advice, it is so much more complicated to live in cold places than to live in warm places... Say what you want, but humans are designed for warm african climate, not the siberia🥶🥶🥶

This is an *excellent* breakdown of dressing for winter activity - and the exact, rather simple tricks we used for winter military activity in northern Norway. Knowledge is key - thanks!

Before my home up St Hellens, I was taught how to layer correctly and have taken those teachings to heart (most of the time)

A tip I learned from some swiss cross country skiers on a recent trip is if you are doing something really strenuous (like cross country skiing) where you can't avoid sweating, bring a change of base layer for any longer breaks or even for the second half of the day. As soon as we got into our lunch camp, they stripped off to change tops (Finland, -20 celcius). I thought they were crazy getting undressed in such weather but while I was shivering by the fire 20 mins into the lunchbreak, they were toasty warm.

@MrCmon113

Жыл бұрын

When the hike gets really strenuous, I go topless, regardless of the weather.

@caseysmith544

Жыл бұрын

I do the same/similar thing for winter running in Pierre (Pier) South Dakota, not to be overdressed but not underdressed either and a tick cold at the start. I have done it where it normally works but then on a long run of 18 miles the weather changed from in 40 F to 29 F and going down winds picking up at about 9--10 miles into the run. This was not supposed to happen as the weather was supposed to be in the 40F to no lower then 35F range by 9 pm looking at the weather minutes before I got my clothes on for the run seeing even what weather was going to be in town across the river for low as sometimes, the town across the river they can be up ip 5 F off from my town high or low and they were not at the time saying 35 F by 9 pm. Problem is my area has some freak mini weather pop up that was never on the radar due to where I live be it caused by the rivers of the Missouri and Chyane or caused by the 2--3 fronts mixing in South Dakota.

@technikchaot

5 ай бұрын

@@MrCmon113 Then you haven't experienced every possible weather. If it is too hot and sunny, a thin layer of bright clothing is better than nothing. It shouldn't be to thight to your body.

@jonaswox

5 ай бұрын

@@MrCmon113 try that with high windspeed high in the mountains in -20 celcius ;)

@zubbworks

5 ай бұрын

His rock hard nips part the breeze keeping him warm. @@jonaswox

If you’re sweating you’re either overdressed or over working. We wore goretex with only a base layer, and just worked the zippers while we were moving. The problem with Goretex is that it still provides a cold condensing surface (CCS) for your sweat vapor, and it can become overwhelmed. We found that dressing very light with a little chill during movement was best. When you stop you put Big Puffy on right over the shell. This moves the CCS outward and allows that sweat to vaporize and move outward. It also conserves that heat you spent so many calories making. It works.

@denislemieux4915

Жыл бұрын

I only disagree partly with your first sentence. Some of us just sweat more than others; I do agree with dressing lighter. I've found that I like a base layer, and then like a fleece or wool vest, then the shell, works quite nice. I think it keeps a good balance. I stay cool & dry when active but my core stays warm, while allowing freedom of movement in the arms. When resting, I just keep my arms closer in or if super cold some heating packs in each sleeve.

@danielmcneely1579

Жыл бұрын

@@denislemieux4915 to each his own. I sweaty guy myself. I learned the hard way that if I’m sweating and can’t take anymore off I might need to dial back on the exertion. If possible.

@getahanddown

Жыл бұрын

Stop to get changed mid climb with your rack etc in the way? I agree planning can minimise wetness but to say "if you sweat you're doing it wrong" is pretty ignorant of the realities of some sports. Sometimes I could be sweating with only a cooldry shirt on and need 3 layers on in the same day. Can also be worse sometimes to let the weather in and fill everything with snow in an instant including your bag just to shed a layer.

@jesseorco

Жыл бұрын

Spot on, I wear a thin base layer and a gortex shell which I regulate with pit and leg vents while snowboarding. It works great while I'm active but falls short on the lifts.

@danieljensen2626

Жыл бұрын

Depends on your goals and the situation I guess. I'd rather just regulate my exertion based on how much energy I have and work the layers as needed, including just going with a base layer as long as it's not precipitating (or no shirt at all if it's really warm and sunny and I'm working hard). If losing the shell means you'll get wet (actively snowing for example) then I agree though, in that case you just have to do whatever you need to do to stay mostly dry.

Great video. It's basically repeating what we learned at our training with the mountain brigade of the German Bundeswehr (Armed Forces). As someone who is doing a lot of hiking I recently switched from "Gore Tex" to Paramo. Their layer system is exactly what I missed all those years.

In the past I snowboarded and winter hiked quite a bit and this describes what I did. My favorite wool-poly shirt I would also desert hike in, at 110 F / 40+ C, and it was cool from wicking sweat. Varying fleece thickness helped make a 3 layer system work down to - 10 F. I wasn't wearing goretex though ; well designed and less technical fabrics work well enough, but the side vent is critical.

Pro Tip: In the spring, you can often find Gore-Tex jackets and pants in the clearance section of outdoor stores. I picked up a Gore-Tex jacket from Cabela's that was normally $250 for $80 in the Spring on clearance. I also picked up a Gore-Tex pair of pants that was normally $200 for $60. Same with Gore-Tex gloves that were normally $80 for $25. Also if you ever have to wash them, make sure you run them in the dryer on high heat for 20 minutes to tighten up the fibers and make it waterproof again. I forgot to once and it didn't seem to be waterproof until I realized my mistake and dried it for 20 minutes on high.

@4am446

Жыл бұрын

Imma HAVE to do this sounds awesome

@bakicci

Жыл бұрын

didnt know the dryer thing cool

@andyeighttre

Жыл бұрын

Don’t was with normal liquid detergent or pods. Use dye less and perfume less powder detergent and don’t use a lot. Add an extra rinse cycle. Buying a synthetic cleaner from grangers, nikwax, or Revivex is the best for washing waterproof outerwear. Some modern waterproofs fabrics aren’t supposed to be dried. After 8-15 washing doing a spray on from the above mentioned brands will make the dwr like new again.

@cloudbloom

Жыл бұрын

Goes to show you how overpriced that shit is to begin with, seasonal buying definitely factors into their price point which makes you realize how absurd the pricing of certain clothing can be. It's still the same pair of pants whether it's summer or winter, but the companies take advantage of this because a majority of people aren't going to think about buying winter clothes in the summer.

@do-it-dave

Жыл бұрын

@Karl with a K do you have one? What brand?

It’s pretty awesome how much more comfortable and warmer you can be when you’ve dialed in a good layering system. Puts a lot of confidence into going into winter conditions.

@Newbroken

Жыл бұрын

Don't forget all the ways you can easily regulate layers to always keep the comfort all the way in every kinds of conditions.

@bolzdeep6834

Жыл бұрын

It's definitely great. The best you can easily find. I use icebreaker brand most the time cause they're nice n thin, got the smooth material for shoulders, wool. But the Paca brand shit is even better. They're retarded expensive kinda running 120 bucks but definitely worth it further down the line

@martinnorman2579

Жыл бұрын

Buffalo mountain 6 ?

@radiowardenclyffe

Жыл бұрын

@@martinnorman2579 Yes and for half the price, a Montane extreme jacket or smock. Both should be worn next to the skin, same as the special 6, fit is important but an awesome alternative to lavering.

@radiowardenclyffe

Жыл бұрын

@Karl with a K Sounds like a lot of faff mate, try the one layer, pile, pertex system it is tried and tested for over 40 years! It's not for everyone (only winners ; )) lol.

Years ago when late season Bow hunting I would hike into My stand wearing only my base Later. Upon arriving I would add My outer layers never breaking A sweat. This is an old truck. Your videos are really informative And can help newbies from Buying lots of stuff that doesn't Really work. Thanks.

Thanks for this explanation. I've never felt like puffy jackets were comfortable, but I think it's because I didn't know WHEN to wear one. I'm definitely considering getting one now.

After about a decade of ski touring, a few tips. -Aclima woolnet first layer, keeps you much drier and somehow not cold. No smell, but looks strange. -Adjust your midlayer for your activety layer and temperature, not the other layers. -A goretex onesie hardshell is significantly warmer than pants and jacket. -A down vest packs really small and cab be worn just on breaks, buy slightly big so you could wear it over your shell. You do not want to take off your shell on a windy mountain top. -Buy a shell with lots of zippers. I stick my arms out of the zip pits when going uphill, it keeps your torso out of the wind and cools you down. I dont have to take of my backpack or stop to do this. Hardshell pants need ventilation zippers too. On the coldest days in Norway i wear Aclima woolnet, thin grid fleece onesie, Montane Axis Alpha Down Jacket, Norrona down halfpants, Sweet Protection Crusader flightsuit. I lose the down layer only when i go uphill.

@horsebattery9243

Жыл бұрын

Yes! Mesh baselayers are the way to go. Wick much better and do keep you drier.

@frankdewaalirisclazing6501

Жыл бұрын

love Aclima (& Woolpower) baselayers! From decades of experience in winter mountain touring in the Alps & Scandinavia I highly appreciate their products.

@littlet-rex8839

Жыл бұрын

I love those Army issue wool sweaters but it rarely gets cold enough here to wear one

@muted6912

Жыл бұрын

I have wool mesh base layer from Brynje and have to agree, that was a game changer in winter comfort. I will check Aclima out though, didn't know them

@frankdewaalirisclazing6501

Жыл бұрын

@@muted6912 Aclima is like Brynje a Norwegian brand. Woolpower is Swedish. All supply for Nato wintertraining, and Marines.

This video is an incredible explanation of layers. As a scoutmaster who does back country training the only thing I think you need to add is about how tight or how loss the layers need to be. Far to often I see people with way to tight of layers and no matter how many they have on they are cold. Having air space between layers is very important.

@HappyBeezerStudios

Жыл бұрын

yup, the air inbetween gets warmed and is kept in place.

@someguy2744

Жыл бұрын

Air is a good insulator.

@alicuppycake93

Жыл бұрын

Can the base layer be tight?

@Mike-cb7gt

Жыл бұрын

@@alicuppycake93 yes. But it should be a wicking material.

@goofygrandlouis6296

Жыл бұрын

True !

All excellent advice. Pit zips are awesome, but so few manufacturers are doing them now. I also love pants that have ventilated pockets with a zip so you can let some hot air out as you walk, or not. Also, do not wear your day hiking clothes in your down sleeping bag - change into totally dry base layer so you don't get so much moisture in the down which prevents it working properly.

Aussie here. Decades ago I sailed regularly in the cold waters of Bass Strait near Antarctica. That water is cold, really cold. We had early dive suits that worked well enough if you’re in the water but for being on it while get regularly drenched with icey sea spray, hand spun wool was the best. The lanolin in it helps you shed water and even when wet it kept us warm. Only draw back is that it’s pretty heavy, especially when wet.

I've been hiking in winter regularly and I completely agree with everything you said. I often see newcomer hikers starting a route with too many clothes on them and right at the first rest, they feel cold. Colder than me wearing just a baselayer and a cheap wind jacket. Thanks for the great content, sir!

@the_lenny1

Жыл бұрын

in my experience, if it feels a bit too cold right before starting, it should be fine. if you are warm even before starting, it will be way too hot and therefor wet later

I’m surprised wool isn’t getting more recognition here. It’s so much better at regulating temperature and it works even when wet. Wool for base and mid is the way to go

@tfrtrouble

Жыл бұрын

1) Cost. A lot of the commenters are experience outdoorspeople but those who need the advice in this video are probably just getting into hiking and good wool stuff is expensive. 2) Weight. This issue isn't trivial for some people. I wear wool base layers but but not mid. I'm small (51 kilos); a rucksack of camping gear can easily exceed 1/3 of my bodyweight if I'm not careful. So something that solves a problem at the cost of weight is seldom a good option for me. Wool may still warm you when wet but a thick wet wool jumper weighs a tonne!

@w8stral

Жыл бұрын

No, not true other than for a single day, or bring multiple base layers. Wool for a single day IS as you said, superior, BUT if you go for more than a day, the hollow wool fibers fill with water and wool becomes quite pitiful as an insulator, cold, and wet as you spend an enormous amount of energy trying to heat the water OUT of the wool. That being said, most people, if they can afford it, still wear wool base layer. Polly...~whatever is used not because if feels good on your skin(it doesn't), but rather because it does not absorb water and therefore more sweat evaporates quicker keeping you warmer. Yes, it also stinks VERY quickly compared to wool, but you will be warmer in the long run as you have to carry less food/fuel.

@johncherrey1798

Жыл бұрын

I’ve spent a lot of time on multi-day trips in the Arctic and now favour poly as a base layer BUT the newer silver impregnated material which really does prevent smelly clothing. In very cold conditions I wear a wool base layer over this.

@andredeketeleastutecomplex

Жыл бұрын

As a homeless guy I fully agree. Merino is the best, also doesn't smell bad.

@maddawgnoll

Жыл бұрын

I find wood useless. I sweat too much in wool. But I run way warm compared to average. I'm in a T-shirt at 0° F when I'm having to work at all. -20 and colder though...I can't keep my hands or feet warm with anything. I did get some 1400 gram thinsulate boots that really helped a lot this winter. Supposed to be good to -54. Doubt it because at -40 my feet started to hurt from cold numbness

You have the best explanation. Got me started on my layering system. Been trying new things for snowboarding. It's still a work in progress but it's making sense. Thank you!

Found you recently, you have some of the best outdoor gear videos I’ve ever seen! No nonsense, to the point, and very informative. Keep it up!

I don't think most people know/appreciate how important this knowledge is, especially in situations where your survival is on the line. Thank you for spreading this knowledge in such an informative way.

Can confirm. When I went to the top of my first mountain higher than 4000m above sea level, the guides told us "if you're not shivering slightly before we start, you're wearing too much insulation. A buddy and I were the only ones that listened and were tho only ones to not be completely freezing once we were resting on the summit.

Through years of being in the cold I learned these things the hard way. This was a short very well thought out video. Good Job. I'm sure a lot of people will benefit from this video.

I'm glad your talking about this. I live in an area with a cold climate and I'm a sweaty boy. Sweat management is essential.

This is really funny: this is EXACTLY how the layers of a building façade work too. Down to the waterproof but vapor-passing layer we'd put over insulation, and the ventilated cavity behind a brick wall to allow ventilation that dries it again. Gotta keep the buildings nice & dry

@lucyandecember2843

Жыл бұрын

o.o

I always found the best way to stay warm was to stay cool. If you actually feel warm you are too hot, you’re going to sweat, no good. If you keep yourself slightly uncomfortable you know you are cool enough not to sweat, you stay dryer and avoid getting really cold.

@Aro666pl

Жыл бұрын

Yea, I found it at first quite weird how i freeze less in my summer wear than in my winter wear, better ventillation and not being so hot did not make me drenched in sweat so im not freezing

@windhelmguard5295

Жыл бұрын

here is what i do: feel cold? walk faster. starting to sweat? slow down. i generally also only layer on the torso and the feet. legs get one layer, arms get two at most. another thing i do is to bring another base layer just in case, when you've been really sweating it out, changing the base layer can work wonders and cold air will dry the worn one out fairly easily too. lastly and most importantly in my opinion, don't look at the outside temperature too much, what matters is moisture and wind. if you can keep water and wind out and prevent sweat from pooling inside, you're good 90% of the time. in fact i have gone for walks at -20°C completely topless, when there was no snow fall and little to no wind (obviously didn't go too far to not make it back if conditions changed)

@ChunkyWalnutX

Жыл бұрын

What I figured out during biking to work in the winter.

@SelaphielGodsAngel

Жыл бұрын

the best way to stay warm is buy the proper clothing for the outdoors task .simples.

@Hippyjeepy

9 ай бұрын

Omg thanks so much! This video answers all the questions I had about layering.

It just makes sense! Even I knew before seeing this video! Your body is a natural heat-generator, and having too many layers with no air-circulating between you clothes and body would cause you to overheat. When we went skiing, we always packed extra sets of clothes to change into when the days was done, plus I learned a LOT from sixth-grade Survival classes and the Magic School bus for how we can conserve heat.

I'm mostly house-sitter and prob never in my life gonna go for a snowy mountain-hike, but your video almost made me buy this OR shell Great add, great entertainment, 10/10

Also, do not use fabric softeners (including dryer sheets) on your synthetics. It will clog the fabric with wax making it unable to wick, and also making it stink. Excellent advice as always!

@thomasmusso1147

Жыл бұрын

ABSOLUTELY! Fabric Softeners are the death of any insulative layer, or in my opinion, any fabric .. they just a means to milk consumers more. I don't allow them near the washing machine when I'm doing my washing. Yes, I only, wash my Outdoor Gear and Clothing that matters to me .. others prefer their stuff to smell whatever fresh, etc.

@jerrybecker7910

Жыл бұрын

Oooo, I didn't know that! Thanks!

@Kastley

Жыл бұрын

what about using a little vinegar instead of fabric softener?

@usernick8928

Жыл бұрын

@@Kastley not sure on that. I use wool dryer balls

@Carlkist

Жыл бұрын

Didn't know that..thanks!

I've found wool to solve all these problems at the cost of weight. Super breathable, temperature regulating, doesn't hold onto moisture, stays warm if it does get wet, snow and water droplets just fall off the outside - it really has been a game changer

@chriscon8463

Жыл бұрын

I love wool! I always tell my friends “Have you ever seen a cold sheep?”

@getahanddown

Жыл бұрын

Merino base, light fleece, midweight down in my bag and a good shell (including proper hood with a high face covering neck!!) is my go to

@pilot968

Жыл бұрын

All great things about wool. For me the worst downside to wool is that, unless it has been felted, it isn't windproof. Even a double mackinaw coat won't stand up to a lot of wind. Since I live in a very windy area I use wool for inner layers and either a windproof synthetic or canvas for the outer layer. Canvas is completely windproof and breathes very well, unfortunately in can ice up with a lot of exertion, especially in snowfall.

@WaitWhatsMyName

Жыл бұрын

@@chriscon8463 just wear a fresh killed sheep

@itellyouforfree7238

Жыл бұрын

@@WaitWhatsMyName well if it's fresh it doesn't keep you warm, does it?

I live in Paraguay, so subtropical biome, this advice and knowledge extrapolated to summer sportwear was the lifeprotip of the year!

This was one one of the clearest and most informative videos I have ever watched on this topic - and I have watched a LOT of videos on this! Thanks for the superb content! Just became a new sub.

Cold weather training in the Marines taught me two things. Dont get wet, and sleep naked. People think I'm crazy when I step off in just a base layer, or when they find out I sleep in the buff. Then they wake up freezing in a sweat drenched cotton sweatshirt.

@zodaxa8881

Жыл бұрын

Yes. And if the enemy wake you up, the nakedness also have an intimidation effect.

@BB-nn9en

Жыл бұрын

@@zodaxa8881 or comedic effect. Either way is an advantage.

@rouxchat6033

Жыл бұрын

I'm 73 and have trained myself to enjoy being cold. I start off with light thin merino wool layers, one maybe two, and add/ subtract as needed. I pack a windproof shell, which is a lifesaver.Too many older women dress way too warm and then just keep getting colder. If you train your body, the cold seems to only go so far as long as you are moving. I'm not explaining this very well. Sorry. What I'm trying to say is to start light and build up only when really needed. Learn to embrace the cold air. As to sleeping in the raw, nope! I'll leave that to you young bucks.

@jonahabenhaim1223

Жыл бұрын

The problem I have with that is I don’t know when I’m going to freeze to death. Which worries me.

@alex73217

Жыл бұрын

The kids at the daycare center I worked at always had to take off most of their layers of clothes while taking a noon nap. Makes sense, the blanket doesn't do much if you're wearing multiple layers of clothes. No warmth is gonna escape your body, and you'll be sweaty

I've been layering with wool in all layers, unless it's actively snowing, since a long time ago. This includes wool pants. Advantages? 1. Wool is somewhat self temperature regulating. Something not mentioned in this video. 2. It retains more of its insulation properties when wet than any synthetic. 3. Important for hunting or wildlife photography- it can be deodorized by the sun. 4. For active snowing or deep snow, I wear a frog togg jacket and / or pants over the wool. Way cheaper than the outer shell mentioned in the video. And, frogg togs are breathable, but block wind almost as good as a windbreaker. Has always kept me dry. I was working in -17 weather with a -35 wind chill in North Dakota and the locals were surprised that I wasn't freezing my arse off. They actually wrote down the list of what I was wearing. (I live in Colorado, sometimes work or hunt in the mountains in the winter, and grew up in Montana, so I do know what cold weather is) Things NOT mentioned in the video. A set of thin wool glove or mitten liners really help, as you are layering your hands too. You can wear wool gloves or mittens and buy a mitten shell to wear over them too. Or you can order real fur mittens from a couple places in Canada. LAYER YOUR HEAD and neck, especially in extreme cold. In temps below 10 degrees, it's advisable to go from a regular ski mask or gaiter to a mask that warms the air as you breathe. You can feel cold with even the best clothing, if the air temperature is cooling your core from the inside.

@kasondaleigh

Жыл бұрын

Best comment yet. 👍

@a.h.6461

Жыл бұрын

What mask would that be?

@Chris11249

Жыл бұрын

100% agree with everything you said. Also good wool (single) socks.

@swdw973

Жыл бұрын

@@Chris11249 I wear wool liner socks and wool socks in really cold weather.

@philipwheeler7317

Жыл бұрын

Agree except I think linen for base layer, is a better choice. It thermal regulates better not as warm granted but that is what the two wool layers do.

I've been hicking and camping in cold weather since I was a kiddo. It's surprising how much of this I naturally learned over the years, and helpful to have a way to explain how I like to layer and why. I've always preferred a synthetic teeshirt under everything with a mid-layer that wicks and breathes well, and on top of that I either wear an artic waterproof insulator jacket but rarely do I zip it so that I get the airflow through the coat. If it's really cold I wear a second midlayer and start to zip up. I usually don't need more than that for most hikes but if it was really cold, like consistantly in the negatives. Then I start wearing more shells.

Great info. 56 and still learning. This will work great deer hunting. Carry in insulating layers for when I get to where I sit and walk in cooler. In the end I’ll be warmer. Got it.

Cold weather tip, wool! Wool is such a fabulous material. I love it. It warms you, it cools you when you are not hot, and it doesn't get wet. Smartwool has some great wool baselayers that work super well in the winter

You helped my hikes and outdoor photo trips be so much more enjoyable over the past year or so with your clothing advice!

@MyLifeOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

I glad I could help. Thank you for the support!

@zoltanpetrik897

Жыл бұрын

Where can I find your photo shots?

@Newbroken

Жыл бұрын

Donating to this man is very good choice, because of the knowledge he is sharing is very important. I don't think anyone is understanding how important this channel is to make more peoples go outdoors and do more outdoor activities. Keep supporting him!

@himansh4812

Жыл бұрын

@@Newbroken too bad youtube gonna grab more than 50 % of what he donated.

I've been using long-fibre wool and wool blends for the better part of 40 years in all kinds of weather/all year. Never been cold even when I ended up in the water pulling someone to shore in late fall. Depending on the wool type and cleanliness, wool retains about 80-ish% if insulative properties even when dripping wet. Personally, I've tried Gortex and similar products over the years. There are many grades of these products and only the expensive ones work as advertised. I would not trust my life to only synthetics, although they have merit in certain situations. If you are concerned with the weight of a good quality wool sweater, work harder building muscle and endurance! Don't be afraid of the weather - learn about it and embrace it. Greetings from a crusty old Albertan in wintery Canada.

@KathrynsWorldWildfireTracking

6 ай бұрын

This! Silk, wool, tweed. (Alpaca/llama way better than sheep btw...warmer and doesn't itch you.) Don't fear getting wet. Just don't care about it. I was hiking in Oregon when freezing-cold rain soaked myself and my friend. I wore insulating-when-wet fabrics. My friend was in cotton. 2 hour quick-march back to the car. Thought he was going to die. I was so warm, I had to take breaks or I'd overheat!

@RossNaylor-nh5uv

6 ай бұрын

Very wise words from a man who has the experience and knowledge to make very good points

@RennieAsh

5 ай бұрын

​@@KathrynsWorldWildfireTrackingwouldn't logic then dictate that you give one of your layers to your friend so that you are not too hot and they are not so cold?

@KathrynsWorldWildfireTracking

5 ай бұрын

@@RennieAsh Logic? Well, considering I'm 90 lbs, 5' 2" tall. He's 6' 4"...no. Alas nothing would fit him. The only way female clothing would fit a man, is if the woman were likely obese, or the man unusually tiny. But - obese people don't hike much. I offered him my coat. He couldn't put his arms in. Hugged it to his chest a little. Tried it like a cloak, but, it was more like a sorry, short cape. But all the cold air got in thru the arms. It didn't help him much. :(

This video might be the most informative ive ever seen about layering. Thank you so much!!!

‘Be bold, start cold’. Brilliant slogan, took me far to long to learn this! Great, clear video on layering, which covers pretty much everything I’ve learned, mostly through trial and error. Those waffle-fleece mid layers are brilliant. I’d love to see a video on the Buffalo/Montane Extreme single layer winter system. Based on Inuit clothing it has a pertex outer layer and a fleecy inner layer which wicks moisture away from the body. I once wore one to climb a mountain in -15°C and 30 mph winds, wearing nothing underneath - and stayed toasty and warm both up and down. It was a very strange experience! The main drawback is that they only work in pretty extreme temperatures, but they’re often worn by mountain rescue services (in the UK at least). It’d be great to see your take on this approach. Keep up the good work!

@johnqpublic9074

Жыл бұрын

Up here in Canada, we have something called the "parking lot jacket". You wear it, while standing around/getting ready, etc. It gets left in the trunk, when you finally head out...

@pyrotech7210

Жыл бұрын

I've always liked it chilly, but even for me, enough is enough. One day I took nothing more than a windbreaker to work with an early morning temp of 35F because the weatherman said it would warm up. Well it didn't and I was stuck in 35F for several hours. I won't be repeating that mistake...

One of the (often) unknown "layers" you can use to keep yourself warmer is a heat exchange mask. It heats the air before you breath it in by combining it with a warmer environment created by your expelled breath. It was first developed by the militaries of cold (Scandinavian) countries; then they were evolved by their cross country skiing athletes. Now they are also used by some high altitude mountaineers (those not using supplemental oxygen). My favorite is called the Air Trim, available at online cross country ski shops.

@mikekraut7643

Жыл бұрын

Timmermade’s SUL hood also boasts of doing this by means of an extended collar, although I think it’s primarily meant for sleeping

@natsariat430

Жыл бұрын

I have already one, is called "kn95 dust face mask", it works kinda great even soaked lmao. Not kidind, i used a dust face mask and the freaking thig keep my breath realy warm!

@Daniel08353

Жыл бұрын

@@natsariat430lol that’s awesome! This makes sense, over using a skin-tight neck gaiter I’ve been doing. The constant contact allows the wind to cool the moisture i created from breathing; and inevitably I end up better off with no mask. I’m buying some for this week: being the coldest thus far in my area. My job is tree service - sometimes easy-going work - sometimes very physically demanding.

@ZarHakkar

Жыл бұрын

Doesn't a thick amount of facial hair do this already? 😝

@dmitriishatokhin

Жыл бұрын

@@ZarHakkar actually no)

This is an amazing video. I live in Florida but I hate the heat and will eventually move somewhere colder and vids like this help me keep tips in the back of my head for when I do.

I like the very practical and real-life oriented approach to this topic

Great content, Steven! "Be bold, start cold" worked perfectly for me so far, so thanks for the reminder.

The part where he says “You’ll end up convincing yourself that you aren’t sweating that much” because you don’t want to stop and drop your pack is so true.

Good video. Sound advice. I sweat heavily when backpacking, hence my attraction to Winter hikes. There is nothing quite as gratifying as hiking in sub-freezing temps and having the management of layering and body temp so fine tuned that simply unzipping my shell and taking off my hat while hiking uphill then zipping up, putting hat on while down-hilling perfectly manages cold and sweat.

You have briefly and clearly laid out the principles of layering and cleared up my understanding... thank you :]

Living my entire life in Ontario, Canada, I've never been an outdoorsman, but I love hiking when I do get out there. My experience always told me that sweat was the enemy, but never put the time into learning what to do about it. This was a fantastically informative video, and you delivered it terrifically. In 8 minutes you transformed the way I'm going to dress in winter for the rest of my life. Cheers!

Great explaination. Additionally i find that there are also many reasons people are cold that are not related to clothing. Some people are on a tight calorie deficit (either to a running diet or simply because they don't eat extra for what they burn hiking in the cold). You need to eat enough for your body to produce heat. Another thing is that many people are used to being overly comfortable all the time. Conditioning the body to adapt to temperature changes (e.g. by taking a cold shower in the morning or going into a sauna regularly) will make you feel much warmer throughout the day.

Wow a properly instructed video. I understood every minute of this. I never really knew befoe how to properly dress for different conditions in the cold till I watched this. You hit all the important talking points. In the marines they never really taught us how to properly prepare ourselves like this even though most of our time in the field was in the cold. Then again I never went to Bridgeport but it shouldn't take that to teach us how to avoid hypothermia like some of my peers did. This should be a gold standard video for the military.

Well done video on the topic of layering… I’m going to use it in all of my future Wilderness Trekking Classes… Thanks for sharing it with us!

Great video. Living the outdoor lifestyle in northern Ontario for 6 years now, in my experience, comfort in the cold all comes down to managing sweat and moisture. Never get wet, stay warm. The moment one feels sweat, you gotta open up the layers and keep those base layers dry! Feeling cold, just do some squats. Stay dry & warm good people! 🤠

Thanks for calling out synthetic base layers for smelling bad. I refuse to wear them. Even at home, doing nothing, my pits will smell terrible after just a few hours -- despite using deodorant. Looking forward to your experience with different wool (and wool/synthetic) base layers. I've tried a couple brands and they were both terrible. Wool shrunk by 2 full sizes after laundering it per the instructions and air drying. My large turned into a shirt that my 7 year old daughter could comfortably wear.

@birchlover3377

Жыл бұрын

That happened to me. My washer's wool cycle uses 40° water and that's when I realized 30° was safer 😩

@jjmcwill2007

Жыл бұрын

Couple problems: 100% merino takes significantly longer to dry than synthetics/polyester. 100% merino also isn't very durable, so these days, a lot of "merino" tops are actually merino/polyester blends. Not necessarily a bad thing. But there are still some premium pieces made in synthetic for which there aren't any merino equivalents. For example, the Patagonia R1, R1-Air, Mountain Hardwear AirMesh Hoody, or similar Polartec Alpha Direct hoody tops. PolarTec does make an Alpha/Wool blend fabric, but I haven't seen any major company marketing hoodies that use it. RipStopbyTheRoll now carries it, but at $30.00/yard, it will probably take me a while to get up the courage to attempt sewing my own hoodie using the material. As for the stink. Have you tried getting some Revivex Odor Eliminator and using it as directed?

@Mike-vd2qt

Жыл бұрын

Try Icebreaker brand wool. Wash on gentle, cold water, do not use a dryer ever. You can hand wash cold water in a sink, then roll the item up in a towel and gently step on it. I use a clothing rack or drape wool over a chair to dry. 170 WT for base-layer, and a 260 WT for mid-layer, a down hoodie, and I have the same OR coat that video person showed. I'm a fan of Poly in desert heat, but in serious cold I use wool.

@donkeypox1943

Жыл бұрын

I am developing hiking pants that have patented taint and moose knuckle zips! Are you interested in testing?

@mdlouie

Жыл бұрын

A cup of Borax in the wash makes a huge difference with synthetics odours in my experience, and way less hard on your clothes than bleach.

While snowboarding all ive ever worn is my boarding jacket and the liner along with a tshirt. Been in -20 windchill and only ever had a little bit of chill. He speaks the truth

When I was in ROTC we did a winter FX (weekend training) taught by Special Forces reservists. The key acronym them drilled into our head was COLD: C: Clean. Clean clothes keep you warmer than dirty ones> O: Ovoid overheating. Don't try to stay warm, be just a little cool. You hit this really well. L: Layering. You also hit this spot on. D: Dry. Dry clothes keep you warmer than wet. As others have mentioned, "cotton is rotton" and we were issued wool clothing for the winter mission. I heard this so many times, but it was on a whitewater rafting trip on a cool day with cold water that I experienced just how true it is that wool can keep you warm even if wet. As always - your videos are simply amazing. Anyone who goes outside should watch your videos!

Thank you for making this video. This is probably the best presentation on how to layer properly that I've seen in a while. Well done.

As a former seascoutleader here in sweden I can only agree on all you have stated, and now that I have been confined to a powerchair it have helped to keep me warm. There is no issue with getting to warm and sweaty for me, I bearly move at all these days, but the layering for sitting still in cold weather is basicly the same as when you go sailing in fall or wintertime...

I wear a base layer from Columbia, my fleece layer is alpaca, then a rain barrier, which I’m looking for now for an Alaska trip. My socks, hat, and gloves are all alpaca fleece, it is a total game changer!!

I've learned all this through pushing carts during winter. Wearing the right layers and dressing down is very important if you don't want to be drenched in sweat.

YES! My Smartwool base layer is a miraculous garment. Combined with my Patagonia down jacket, I'm comfortable through 95% of our South Dakota winters. Occasionally, I throw on an outer shell.

@leightaft7763

Жыл бұрын

Good to know I just ordered a smart wool 250 base layer shirt

@deantreloar

Жыл бұрын

​@@leightaft7763 Sweet! I was scared of the price at first, but once I took the plunge, I recommend it to everyone, it really has made that much of a difference.

Great video! Right to the point with very useful information without any unnecessary waffle. These are literally ALL the things I learned mostly by trial and error, wish I’d seen something like this years ago! Would have saved me some uncomfortable situations while figuring things out. Nice work!

Excellent advice for Scout leaders that deal with kids that "know everything" & end up at your tent in the middle of the night freezing. It's the same concept I used when cycling. Start cold with less layers & take the layers you have on off as the ride progresses. Often times, unless it is below freezing when you start, a beanie & vest are all you will need DURING the ride. Well, for me, a GOOD pair of gloves are a MUST! Then, when you back at the car, put on more layers to keep you warm as you're packing up. I will DEFINITELY pass this along to my Troop!

Synthetics may wick better than wool, but wool retains far more of its thermic effect when wet. I prefer merino wool base layers and usually prefer merino mid layers as well for this reason. At least, that’s what works best for my perspiration pattern.

Interesting! I have a North Face that has both a shell and an insulating layer that can zip in or out, and actually wear a mid layer that’s neither truly shell nor fleece (and definitely not insulation)-a self-described soft shell. I’m not a heavy sweater, but wearing these in combination with a smart wool or polyester shirt has kept me warm so far. One thing that has helped a TON as a glasses wearer is the use of ski goggles. Not only do they provide protection from sun reflection on nice days, they keep my glasses from falling off my face when going downhill.

This is actually quite helpful for homesteading as well....we moved to a colder climate last year, and I have been STRUGGLING with doing farm chores in the low temps! Now if I could only figure out how to keep my fingertips from freezing! 😆

Wow, I was not expecting this video to be so informative (first time viewer). Thank you! This is valuable advice.

Excellent video! It is the best one I've seen about layering and sweat. You nailed it!

Good video. So many people have very little understanding of layering and how to actually stay warm during outdoor activities. Layering and staying dry is absolutely crucial in cold weather environments, especially if you’re going to be moving.

As a northeastern Brazillian, that lives 400km away from the equator line, close to the dunes, that has never felt any weather below 12 C° and never seen snow, this was a lifechanging guide.

@kaksidaksi3455

Жыл бұрын

as a finnish person who lives in the arctic circle that has never experienced temperatures warmer than 25c your comment was life changing

@derka_james

Жыл бұрын

In Canada, we have 40c summers, and -40c winters. Your comments mean nothing to us.

@soneadventure

Жыл бұрын

At São Paulo - Brazil, we have 04 different seasons in one day. Both of your comments doenst surprises us

@lauren2028

6 ай бұрын

@@soneadventure the record low in sao paulo is only -2.2c, what are you on about

@soneadventure

6 ай бұрын

@@lauren2028 I'm not talking about temperature. I'm talking about weather conditions. The four seasons is a joke here because we have (our) winter in the early morning, autumn in the morning, hot summer during the day and spring rains in the evening.

I once heard to always dress as if it’s 10 degrees warmer out when you’re hiking, and so far the advice has worked perfect!

Very nice and realistic advices came from a wealth of experience...

I've done the tiniest bit of alpine rescue. Enough training to make sure I'm not requiring rescue as well. It's amazing how little you need to have on when your really working for it. I was definitely over insulated the first few times

thank you for this vid. I'm a middle aged mother in Germany. I recently took up "just walking the dog, but longer", so I am out 2-3h a time in every weather. it's cold but mostly dry right now. The terrain is hilly, I am in the valley but to get anywhere I have to go uphill. So much that I couldn't get there without a break at first. I recently bought a whole new warderobe of outdoor clothes and I found out by accident, what makes me feel warm but not over-hot is a regular longsleeve (cotton mix - oh no XD ) and then my thin down jacket, followed by a Fjällraven shell. So it seems the shell is doing a really great job at breathing :) Fascinating to find this vid now :) I will surely check out more of your vids to learn more of the science behind this :)

I just got back from snowboarding, and was drenched with sweat and cold by the end of the day, tunrs out my insulating layer was a cotton hoodie, and destroyed me haha, taking notes from this video and going to look into the mid layer you mentioned when I get home!

The greatest winter clothes overview I have seen so far! Well done buddy!

This explains why my feet are always freezing in the winter in cotton socks! Definitely going to be thinking more about sweat regulation all over in the winter months now!

@ragnkja

Жыл бұрын

Cotton saps away the warmth from your body when it gets damp. Useful on hot summer days, not so desirable in the winter.

@andreathompson-bg4hl

6 ай бұрын

Oh no cotton is horrible. It makes you burn up and sweat. Then you are just sweaty while it sits there. I don't get why people like it.

@varmastiko2908

6 ай бұрын

Merino wool and never look back

One great tip for stopping/reducing sweating is to make your palms cooler. Palms and soles are the best heat exchange areas of the body (because they uniquelly have mainly anastomoses instead of capillaries as bloodvessels). There is good research on this from Stanford Uni.

Great advice! I grew up in a subtropical climate so I didn't have a clue about any of this.

I find it really interesting to watch posts like this living in the tropics where it never goes below 10C. I believe in preparedness and believe I should know this stuff. Who knows in these times of polar vortexes. It surprised me you said no cotton as that's what I've always pulled out when the temp drops. Thanks for the education 🙂

Been hunting and hiking in sub zero temps for decades and I can say fleece vest mid-layers over a nice polypropylene base layer is the best I’ve ever used. From there I chose more layers based on temps and activity. And yes, there is almost nothing more important than a true waterproof and wind blocking shell. Although, my most extreme system is polypro/windproof puffy vest/fleece jacket/goretex shell. The constant for me is the vest, over my base; it allows my armpits to breathe while keeping my torso and the back of my neck warm.

@richardharmon647

5 ай бұрын

You must live in Minnesota because what you suggested is something I would totally agree with

During my few decades of life i never heard this, when it was below -25 celcius outside and I went skiing I just wore cheap walmart winter coats, jeans , gloves and classic ski shoes. I always felt a bit cold so I would not sweat alot even when skiing as hard as I could. I would just embrace the cold and somehow the lack of comfort just made me feel good. Thanks for the advices it was interesting.

@HappyBeezerStudios

Жыл бұрын

There is something extremely satisfying coming back home after using muscles in the cold.

There is something to be said about keeping core warm versus peripherals. Also the role of headwear is critical as it provides an easily accessible thermostat! Also foot care and neck seals are worth managing properly too. Personally I have found antiperspirant on feet to be really helpful in managing foot temperature as it keeps feet dryer!

@Jarrych83

Жыл бұрын

I'm a mid-layer vest person all the way. My arms just don't get that cold, but that little extra on the torso really keep things balanced. I also find I don't use hoods too often because they keep too much warmth in the top of the jacket and make my head sweat more than a good hat. Hats, gloves, and scarf/gaiters are great for managing the mix of minor changes or needs as you go!